Brighton and Hove Albion have “firmly rejected” a bid from an unnamed club for defender Lewis Dunk, according to their chief executive, Paul Barber.

Dunk has reportedly attracted interest from Crystal Palace, Everton and Newcastle United , but Barber has insisted that the bid has been turned down as they to hold on to the highly-rated 24-year-old.

Speaking to The Argus, Barber said: “We have received a bid for Lewis Dunk and it has been very firmly rejected without any discussion.

“We are very busy assembling – and soon we will be preparing – our squad for another attempt at securing promotion to the Premier League, our key ambition, so we have no intention of selling Lewis who has been, and remains, a key part of our squad.”

Lewis Dunk of Brighton (Image: Action Images / David Field)

The Mirror have previously reported that Brighton were holding out for at least £10m for Dunk this summer.

The defender scored four times in 39 games for the Seagulls last term and they are looking to keep hold of their prized asset.

Rafa Benitez is keen to rebuild his squad this summer and defensive targets are high on his list as he looks to build a deep squad, capable of dealing with the rigours of the long Championship season, which started in less than two months.